B.C. Weekly Digest — Mar 30 to Apr 5, 2026

B.C. changed its property tax deferral rules in the budget — interest moved to prime+2% and now compounds, which experts warn could wipe out as much as 70% of a senior’s home equity over 17 years.

Vancouver police arrested a man tied to five Pokémon-card robberies since Mar. 23 where victims met sellers on Facebook Marketplace and were sprayed with bear spray; two cards were recovered and police urge use of the Safe Exchange Location at VPD HQ.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie asked the Cowichan Nation to legally renounce any claims on private Richmond properties after a court found Aboriginal title over about 5.7 sq km — the province, feds and city are appealing.

The B.C. Court of Appeal found errors in a lower court’s limits on the Nuchatlaht Nation’s title over 201 sq km on Nootka Island, saying evidence shows the nation had exclusive use for fishing, hunting and gathering.

Police updated a 17‑year cold case: Wendy Ladner‑Beaudry was killed while jogging in Pacific Spirit Regional Park on Apr. 3, 2009, and investigators say a random act of violence can’t be ruled out — anyone with tips is asked to call RCMP.

Fun politics note: Premier David Eby temporarily brought in George Smith — the identical twin of outgoing deputy communications director James Smith — to help train staff until mid‑June.

Premier Eby proposed pausing some sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act for up to three years while the province and Indigenous leaders sort out legal risks after a Court of Appeal decision.

BC Ferries hit service problems before the Easter weekend — the Spirit of Vancouver Island and other vessels had generator and mechanical issues, some sailings were cancelled and potable water was affected on Salish Heron, though BC Ferries later said water was restored on some ships.

A man convicted in 2024 for killing a chihuahua (Tacori) is appealing his verdict and sentence (four months jail, three years’ probation), with the Crown and defence disputing expert evidence and intent.

Former fugitive Conor D’Monte was sentenced to 15 years (with credits leaving him under eight years to serve) after pleading guilty to conspiring to kill the Bacon brothers; he had spent 11 years on the run.

Maple Ridge: Darcy Robb was charged with manslaughter after Sean Spring, 49, died following a March 16 home confrontation; friends and family have set up a GoFundMe for Spring’s two children (ages 13 and 11).

Policing shift in Surrey: the Surrey Police Service took over Cloverdale on Apr. 1 as RCMP leaves after 75 years, SPS is offering a $30,000 signing bonus for experienced officers, and residents will see new uniforms and patrol cars.

Minimum wage updates: provinces are raising rates (B.C. hits $18.25 in June), federal workers move to $18.15 — but advocates say these numbers still fall short of livable wages (e.g., Nova Scotia’s livable wage estimated at $27.60).

Surrey contract‑hit sentencing: Brandon Teixeira got life plus 14 years for the Oct. 2017 murder of Nicholas Khabra and an attempted murder; police said the hit was tied to a $160,000 contract.

Colorectal screening: P.E.I. and Nunavut are lowering screening to age 45, BC Cancer is studying the change, and health experts note colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50.

Langley mother Natasha Olauson says emergency C‑section complications led to an unplanned hysterectomy; Fraser Health is reviewing her care and the family has launched a GoFundMe for expenses.

Good recovery news: 12‑year‑old Maya Gebala, a Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor, has left ICU and moved to a rehab unit, with family reporting steady progress.

Metro Vancouver condo pre‑sales have plunged — from nearly 6,000 units sold in Q1 2021 to just 124 in Q1 2026 — as buyers prefer resale deals and developers delay projects.

Weekend cooking tip: Cardero chef Jason Kleinfeld shared easy recipes for tartar sauce and beer batter to make great halibut fish and chips at home.

Downtown Eastside arson: a fire was lit inside Nesters at 333 Abbott St. on March 30, causing heavy damage; Victor Leslie Atkinson, 50, was charged and the store plans to reopen after inspections.

A Sooke youth was charged after allegedly making school‑shooting threats in online chats with a 15‑year‑old in Louisville, Ky.; the student attends Edward Milne Community School and the case has publication bans.

The Transportation Safety Board is investigating a small aircraft accident at Pitt Meadows Regional Airport; investigators have been deployed and details are still being gathered.

Two teens’ life sentences in the 2019 killing of mechanic Paul Prestbakmo were reduced under youth sentencing rules to a maximum of seven years (four in custody), after an appeal.

West Vancouver council may order demolition of a hoarder’s house at 6507 Nelson Ave. because of structural damage, mould and vermin; the district could carry out demolition at the owner’s expense.

Surrey saw four shootings in 48 hours, including the Mar. 28 killing of 27‑year‑old Jasman Sekhon in Sullivan Heights — IHIT says the slaying appears targeted and linked to the drug trade, and investigations are ongoing.

With fuel prices up (around $2/L in Metro Vancouver), the BCGEU wants the province to let more public servants work from home to save on gas and reduce emissions.

Fraud warning: police and the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre urge caution about FIFA World Cup scams for tickets, rentals and goods ahead of the June 11 tournament, which will host 13 matches in Canada.

Powell River RCMP charged David Farrell (56) in a string of five underwear thefts at the Powell River Recreation Complex in 2025; he’s banned from the facility and faces theft charges.

Sentencing update: Samantha Hall was given 35.5 months for deliberately setting a woman on fire in Langley on July 12, 2025; the court also imposed a 10‑year weapons prohibition.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit off northern Vancouver Island (about 183 km west of Port Hardy) at about 10:50 a.m.; it was recorded at 5 km depth and caused no damage or tsunami risk.